18 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

A vacation in Vara Blanca, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers excellent access to a number of attractions across the area.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Mon): tour the pleasant surroundings at Refugio de Vida Silvestre Bosque Alegre, then pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral de la Mercedes, and then don't miss a visit to Parque Central De Grecia. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Tue): take in the dramatic scenery at Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz and then explore the striking landscape of Poas Volcano.

For photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Vara Blanca trip maker app.

Valletta, Malta to Vara Blanca is an approximately 19-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Central Standard Time is minus 7 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Tue) early enough to drive to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

On the 8th (Wed), kick back and relax at Playa Manuel Antonio and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. On the 9th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get some thrills out on the water with a waterskiing or jet-skiing adventure, then get interesting insight from Tours, and then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

Find out how to plan Manuel Antonio trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Traveling by car from Vara Blanca to Manuel Antonio takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

On the 10th (Fri), take in the exciting artwork at Arte Jaguar Gallery, then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and then stroll through Sustainability Demonstration Center. On the next day, admire the masterpieces at Chorotega Arts & Crafts, then get to know the fascinating history of Ecological Sanctuary, and then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see photos, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Monteverde online vacation planner.

Drive from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) so you can drive to Tamarindo.

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sun): kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks and then stroll through Tamarindo Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Monkey Park, then view the masterpieces at Lydia Beech Art Boutique, then paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Tamarindo trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Monteverde to Tamarindo takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a shuttle. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Mon) to allow time to drive to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Get outdoors at River Rafting & Tubing and Flow Trips. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Butterfly Conservatory and Arenal Wilberth Stables. The adventure continues: walk around Bogarin Trail, contemplate the geological forces at Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano), trek along Senderos Los Tucanes, and admire the natural beauty at Arenal Natura Ecological Park.

To see photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Tortuguero.

One of Costa Rica's least accessible destinations, Tortuguero sits within an eponymous national park and remains accessible only by plane or boat.

On the 18th (Sat), get a new perspective on nature at Sea Turtle Conservancy and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

To see maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Tortuguero online road trip planner.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In July in Tortuguero, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can go by car to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

You'll get in some beach time at Playa Cocles and Playa Negra. Visiting Nature & Wildlife Tours and Nature Riders will get you outdoors. There's still lots to do: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, tour the pleasant surroundings at Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, take in nature's colorful creations at Finca La Isla, and relax in the rural setting at Finca Tierra.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read Puerto Viejo de Talamanca online itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can travel back home.